Vaporizer cartridge devices and systems and methods of manufacturing filled vaporizer cartrdiges

ABSTRACT

Devices, systems and methods to facilitate partially automated production of fluid-filled vaporizer cartridge are disclosed. A device can include a vaporizer cartridge configured to be sealable assembled by a press-fit after filling. Systems and methods include systems and methods for filling an array of partially-assembled vaporizer cartridges and for assembling an array of filled, partially-assembled vaporizer cartridges simultaneously.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/682,977, filed on Nov. 13, 2019 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. ______,which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 62/760,039, filed on Nov. 13, 2018. The entire disclosure ofthe aforementioned applications are incorporated herein by reference forany purpose.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to devices for vaporizing a fluid andsystems and methods for assembling fluid-filled vaporizer devices. Inparticular, the present disclosure relates to vaporizer cartridgedevices that are configured to be sealably assembled by a snap-fit afterfilling. The present disclosure also relates to systems and methods formanufacturing filled vaporizer cartridges, in particular, systems andmethods for filling and assembling multiple vaporizer cartridgessimultaneously.

BACKGROUND

Electronic vaporizer devices and cartridges that contain vaporizableliquid in a “reservoir” structure frequently suffer from a variety ofmanufacturing, performance, and usability shortcomings. Theseshortcomings including challenges to filling created by theconfiguration of the partially assembled and unfilled fluid reservoir,challenges to assembling filled cartridges, leaking reservoirs, andproduct and user safety hazards created by the potential to disassemblefilled and assembled cartridges, to name several. Typical systems arenot amenable to mass production systems or require complex and expensiveequipment that may not perform consistently or with optimal throughput.Many product manufacturers fill and assemble cartridges using manuallabor, leading to high production costs. Device designs that afford morerobust options for filling and assembly using partial automation or massproduction while also providing leak-free performance and enhancedproduct safety are desirable.

SUMMARY

In various embodiments, a vaporizer cartridge device can comprise amouthpiece assembly and a reservoir assembly. The mouthpiece assemblyand the reservoir assembly can be configured to be press-fit followingfilling of the reservoir assembly with a vaporizable fluid. A mouthpieceassembly can comprise a vapor outlet. A mouthpiece assembly can alsocomprise an air inlet. In various embodiments, a mouthpiece assembly cancomprise a chamber housing defining a vaporization chamber and avaporizer assembly. A vaporizer assembly can comprise a wick, a heatingelement, and an electrical connector. A device can comprise a springelectrode. A reservoir assembly can comprise a base support, a baseelectrode, and a reservoir cylinder. In various embodiments, amouthpiece assembly and a reservoir assembly can be configured toprovide an interference fit.

In various embodiments, a vaporizer cartridge device can comprise a baseattachment feature configured to insertably receive a chamber housingattachment feature. The base attachment feature and the chamber housingattachment feature can comprise complementary locking ridges and lockingrings configured to provide a substantially inseparable interference fitafter being assembled by press-fit.

In various embodiments, a system for manufacturing fluid-filledvaporizer cartridges can comprise a cartridge tray configured to containa reservoir assembly array, a reservoir assembly array, a mouthpieceassembly support configured to contain a mouthpiece assembly array, amouthpiece assembly array, and a cartridge press. The mouthpieceassembly support can be configured to releaseably retain the mouthpieceassembly array to provide coordinated insertion of each of the pluralityof mouthpiece assemblies in the mouthpiece assembly array into thecorresponding reservoir assemblies in the reservoir assembly array toproduce a partially-assembled cartridge array. The cartridge press canbe configured to receive the partially-assembled cartridge array and toapply an assembly pressure to the partially-assembled cartridge array toproduce an assemble cartridge array. The system can be configured toproduce an assembled cartridge array from the partially-assembledcartridge array in less than about 30 seconds.

In various embodiments, a method of assembling a fluid-filled vaporizercartridge array can comprise positioning a reservoir assembly array,dispensing a fluid into the reservoir assembly array to produce afluid-filled reservoir assembly array, inserting a mouthpiece assemblyarray into the fluid-filled reservoir assembly array, aligning amouthpiece assembly of the first partially-assembled cartridge array andpressing the aligned partially-assembled cartridge array to produce anassembled cartridge array.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed outand distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. Amore complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may bestbe obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims whenconsidered in connection with the drawing figures.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a side view and a cutaway view of a vaporizercartridge in accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a side view and a cutaway view of amouthpiece assembly in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a spring electrode in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate perspective and cutaway views of a reservoirassembly in accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a cutaway view and a cutaway view detail ofan assembled vaporizer cartridge in accordance with various embodimentsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of a vaporizer cartridge inaccordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge tray in accordancewith various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a mouthpiece assembly supportand a hand press ejector in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate views of a mouthpiece assembly support and ahand press ejector in accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure in use;

FIG. 11 illustrates a cartridge press instrument in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 illustrates a cartridge press instrument in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 illustrates a cartridge press instrument in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present disclosure in use;

FIG. 14 illustrates a fluid dispensing instrument in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 illustrates a fluid dispensing instrument in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 illustrates a fluid dispensing instrument in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present disclosure in use;

FIG. 17 illustrates a fluid dispensing instrument in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present disclosure in use; and

FIG. 18 illustrates a method in accordance with various embodiments ofthe present disclosure; and

FIG. 19 illustrates a press plate in accordance with various embodimentsof the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure generally relates to devices for vaporizing afluid and systems and methods for assembling fluid-filled vaporizerdevices. This disclosure of various embodiments makes reference to theaccompanying drawings, which show the various embodiments by way ofillustration. While these embodiments are described in sufficient detailto enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it shouldbe understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logicaland mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the disclosure. Thus, the detailed description herein ispresented for purposes of illustration only and by way not oflimitation. For example, the steps recited in any of the method orprocess descriptions may be executed in any order and are not limited tothe order presented. Moreover, any of the functions or steps may beoutsourced to or performed by one or more third parties. Furthermore,any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any referenceto more than one component may include a singular embodiment.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure and with reference toFIGS. 1A and 1B, a vaporizer cartridge device 100 is illustrated. Avaporizer cartridge device can comprise a plurality of components thatmay be assembled into various component assemblies. For example,vaporizer cartridge device 100 can comprise a mouthpiece assembly 101and a reservoir assembly 102. As described in greater detail below, thevaporizer cartridge device component assemblies can be configured toprovide for snap-fit assembly of the mouthpiece. In various embodiments,the vaporizer cartridge device component assemblies can be assembledafter filling one of the assemblies, such as a reservoir assembly, witha vaporizable liquid.

In various embodiments, a mouthpiece assembly can comprise a pluralityof components assembled together. With reference now to FIGS. 2A and 2B,a mouthpiece assembly 201 is illustrated. Mouthpiece assembly 201 cancomprise various mouthpiece assembly components, such as a mouthpiece,an upper reservoir gasket, a chamber housing, an inner stem, a vaporizerassembly, an electrode gasket, and an electrode. Various embodiments ofa mouthpiece assembly and various components thereof are described ingreater detail below.

Mouthpiece assembly 201 can comprise mouthpiece 210. Mouthpiece 210 canhave a first end 211 and a second end 212. First end 211 can define avapor outlet 213. Mouthpiece 210 can also define an air inlet 214. Airinlet 214 may be located in a lateral surface 215 of mouthpiece 210approximately adjacent to second end 212 of mouthpiece 210. In variousembodiments, mouthpiece 210 can comprise a plurality of air inlets 214,such as 2, or 3, or 4, or 5, or 6, or n air inlets 214. In someembodiments, the number of air inlets 214 may be selectable by anoperator, for example, by rotation or sliding of an annular ring, panel,or similar feature configured to reversibly move between an open and aclosed position with respect to at least one air inlet 214. The locationof one or more air inlets 214 in a mouthpiece may provide certainfunctional advantaged for a fluid-filled vaporizer cartridge, such asreducing the occurrence of fluid leakage from the cartridge as comparedto air inlet positions for other devices, which frequently have airinlets located near a distal end of the cartridge in closer proximity tothe fluid reservoir.

A mouthpiece can be constructed of any suitable durable material such asglass, ceramic, wood, polymer, or metal. In various embodiments,mouthpiece 210 may be constructed of leaded brass. A leaded brassmouthpiece 210 may be finished with a coating, such as anacrylic-melamine coating or any suitable food grade coating material.

Air inlet 214 can be configured to provide fluid communication betweenan external air source (e.g., the atmosphere external to the device) andan inlet air channel 244, described in greater detail below.

Mouthpiece assembly 201 can comprise an upper reservoir gasket such asupper reservoir gasket 220. In various embodiments, an upper reservoirgasket can comprise an annular shape. An upper reservoir gasket can beconfigured to sealably couple with a gasket retention feature 218machined or otherwise integrated into second end 212 of mouthpiece 210.Upper reservoir gasket 220 can be configured to receive a proximal endof a reservoir cylinder such as reservoir cylinder 470 (FIG. 4C). Forexample, reservoir gasket 220 comprises a chamfered segment 221configured to slidably be received by a reservoir cylinder having aninside diameter configured to provide a clearance or interference fitwith respect to the outer surface of chamfered segment 221. Upperreservoir gasket 220 can be configured to be sealably coupled with aproximal end surface 471 of reservoir cylinder 470 and/or an interiorsurface of reservoir cylinder 470 at a location substantially adjacentto proximal end of reservoir cylinder 470. Each of the upper reservoirgasket 220 contact with the proximal end surface of reservoir cylinder470 and the upper reservoir gasket 220 contact with interior surface ofreservoir cylinder 470 can comprise a gasket-component interface.Likewise, any contact or coupling of a gasket to another adjacentcomponent described herein can comprise a gasket-component interface. Anupper reservoir gasket or any other gasket described herein may bemanufactured from a resilient, elastically deformable material such assilicon, urethane, polyacetal, polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, or anysuitable natural or synthetic polymer material.

In various embodiments, a mouthpiece assembly 201 can comprise a chamberhousing 230. Chamber housing 230 may be configured as an elongatedcylinder having a first end 231 and a second end 232 and defining achannel therethrough. The first end 231 may be configured to be coupledwith the distal end of mouthpiece 210. In various embodiments, first end231 of chamber housing 230 may comprise an insertion segment 233configured to be slidably inserted into a complementary receptacle indistal end of mouthpiece 210 configured to receive insertion segment233, thereby providing for chamber housing 230 to be coupled withmouthpiece 210 via an interference fit such as a press fit. In variousembodiments, an outer surface of the proximal end of insertion segment233 may be chamfered to facilitate sliding insertion of insertionsegment 233. In various other embodiments, a chamber housing may becoupled with a mouthpiece using other coupling mechanisms, such as by athreaded coupling, a bayonet connection, or other suitable couplingmechanism. In various embodiments, chamber housing 230 is coupled tomouthpiece 210 without any need for an adhesive material. Chamberhousing 230 may be reversibly coupled with mouthpiece 210.

In various embodiments, chamber housing 230 can comprise a first innerdiameter d1 through a first portion of the length of chamber housing 230and a second inner diameter d2 through a second portion of the length ofchamber housing 230. For example, chamber housing 230 may comprise asmaller diameter d1 for a first portion of the length of the chamberhousing located toward first end 231 and a larger diameter d2 for asecond portion of the length located toward second end 232. The interiorwall of chamber 230 at the transition from diameter d1 to d2 may bestepped up creating a ridge feature 234. Ridge feature 234 may functionto maintain the position of a vaporizer assembly that may be held in thechamber housing, as described in greater detail elsewhere herein.

Chamber housing 230 can comprise one or more fluid inlets 235. Fluidinlets 235 can comprise penetrations through lateral walls of chamberhousing 230, such as circular penetrations configured to provide fluidcommunication between a fluid reservoir located outside the outersurface of chamber housing 230 and a vaporization chamber defined withinthe chamber housing by an inner chamber surface and/or a vaporizerassembly. In various embodiments, chamber housing 230 can comprise aplurality of fluid inlets 235, such as 2, or 3, or 4, or 5, or 6, or nfluid inlets.

In various embodiments, chamber housing 230 can comprise a chamberhousing attachment feature. A chamber housing attachment feature can beconfigured to enable the chamber housing to be coupled to a reservoirassembly. In various embodiments, a chamber housing attachment featurecan comprise a locking ring. A locking ring can be an annular snap jointring. A chamber housing attachment feature can comprise a plurality ofannular snap joint rings. In various embodiments, chamber housing 230can comprise a first annular snap joint ring 236 and a second annularsnap joint ring 237. First and second annular snap joint rings 236 and237 can be located distally (i.e., toward second end 232) of fluidinlets 235 along the length of chamber housing 230. In variousembodiments, configuration of the chamber housing attachment featuredistally of the fluid inlets may provide for the fluid inlets to belocated near the bottom of the fluid reservoir when the attachmentfeature of the chamber housing is inserted into and coupled with thereservoir assembly, as described in greater detail elsewhere herein.

In various embodiments, first and second annular snap joint rings 236and 237 may be configured to provide progressively more secure couplingduring assembly of vaporizer cartridge 200. For example, first annularsnap joint ring 236 may be configured with a first undercut y₁, whilesecond annular snap joint ring may be configured with a second undercuty₂. The value of y₂ may be greater than the value of y₁. In variousembodiments, an annular snap joint ring may be configured with a leadangle α. First annular snap joint ring 236 may be configured with a leadangle α₁ and second annular snap joint ring 237 may be configured with alead angle α₂. In various embodiments, lead angle α₁ and lead angle α₂may be substantially the same, or lead angle α₁ and lead angle α₂ may bedifferent. For example, lead angle α₁ may be about 30 degrees, and leadangle α₂ may be about 45 degrees out of parallel with the axis of thechamber housing. In various embodiments, one of a lead angle and anundercut may be configured to require a mating force W to be coupledwith a corresponding annular snap ridge. In various embodiments, matingforce W may be suitable to provide a desired compression C of one ormore gaskets in an assembled vaporizer device. Application of desiredcompression C may be suitable to provide a fluid-tight seal at each ofthe one or more gaskets in the assembled vaporizer device.

An annular snap joint ring may also be configured with a return angleα′. First annular snap joint ring 236 may be configured with a returnangle α′₁, and second annular snap joint ring 237 may be configured witha return angle α′₂. In various embodiments, return angle α′₁ and returnangle α′₂ may be substantially the same, or return angle α′₁ and returnangle α′₂ may be different. In various embodiments, each of return angleα′₁ and return angle α′₂ may be about 90 degrees out of parallel withthe axis of the chamber housing.

In various embodiments, a chamber housing attachment feature can beconfigured to be separable or inseparable following insertion into andcoupling with a complementary base attachment feature of a reservoirassembly, described in greater detail elsewhere herein. Attachmentfeatures configured to provide inseparable coupling may be used toprovide tamper-proof assembly of fluid-filled cartridges.

In various embodiments, a mouthpiece assembly can comprise a vaporizerassembly. A chamber housing of the mouthpiece assembly may be configuredto contain the vaporizer assembly. A vaporizer assembly can comprise awick and a heating element. A heating element may be electricallyconnected to a mouthpiece assembly electrode via an electricalconnector. For example, mouthpiece assembly 201 can comprise vaporizerassembly 250. Vaporizer assembly 250 can comprise wick 251 and heatingelement 252. In various embodiments, wick 251 can comprise a porousmaterial configured to absorb a fluid. Wick 251 can comprise a porousceramic material or any other suitable material. In various embodiments,wick 251 may be wrapped with a cellulosic material such as cotton, withthe combination of materials and/or distinct component comprising a wickassembly. Heating element 252 can comprise a metal coil that may beembedded or otherwise contained within wick 251. Heating element 252 maybe configured to convert electrical energy into thermal energy in amanner suitable to vaporize a fluid absorbed into wick 251. Wick 251 maybe configured as a substantially cylindrical shape with an outerdiameter configured to be press fit into second end 232 of chamberhousing 230. For example, an outer diameter of wick 251 may beconfigured to provide an interference fit with respect to diameter d2 ofchamber housing 230. Wick 251 may be inserted into an opening defined bya distal end of chamber housing 230 and in various embodiments may beseated against an internal feature of a chamber housing, such as ridgefeature 234, that may be configured to retain the wick and/or preventlongitudinal migration of the wick toward the mouthpiece. The outersurface of wick 251 (or a wick assembly) may abut fluid inlets 235, suchthat a fluid placed in the fluid reservoir may make contact with theouter surface of wick 251 via fluid inlets 235 and be absorbed into wick251 for vaporization upon application of electrical energy to heatingelement 252.

Wick 251 may be retained in distal end of chamber housing 230 by achamber housing cap, such as chamber housing cap 260. Chamber housingcap 260 may be configured to partially enclose second end 232 of chamberhousing 230. In various embodiments, chamber housing cap 260 cancomprise a generally cylindrical shape defining an opening therethrough.A chamber housing cap can comprise an attachment section configured tobe coupled to chamber housing. For example, chamber housing cap 260comprises an insertion section configured to be insertable coupled withsecond end 232 of chamber housing 230 by an interference fit, withsecond end 232 of chamber housing 230 being configured to receive theinsertion section of chamber housing cap 260. In various embodiments, anouter diameter surface of a proximal end of chamber housing cap 260 maybe chamfered and/or stepped down in diameter to facilitate insertioninto second end 232 of chamber housing 230. Similarly, an outer diametersurface toward the distal end of chamber housing cap 260 may be taperedor chamfered to provide a reduced diameter toward the distal end of thechamber housing cap to facilitate insertion of the distal end of thechamber housing into a base attachment feature of a reservoir assembly.The outer surface of chamber housing cap 260 can comprise a flange orstep configured to seat against a distal surface of chamber housing 230.A proximal end of chamber housing cap 260 can be configured to abut awick or wick assembly inserted into chamber housing 230 when chamberhousing cap 260 is coupled with chamber housing, thereby securing thewick or wick assembly axially within chamber housing 230 between ridgefeature 234 and proximal end of chamber housing cap 260.

A chamber housing cap may be configured to receive a mouthpiece assemblyelectrode. The mouthpiece assembly may be insulated from the chamberhousing cap by an insulative gasket configured to electrically insulatea mouthpiece electrode from the chamber housing cap and chamber housing.An insulative gasket can also be configured to be elastically deformablein response to pressure on a mouthpiece assembly electrode. Aninsulative gasket may be manufactured from a resilient, elasticallydeformable material such as silicon, urethane, polyacetal,polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, or any suitable natural or syntheticpolymer material. For example, mouthpiece assembly 201 can comprisespring electrode gasket 261. Spring electrode gasket 261 can beconfigured to be insertably coupled with chamber housing cap 260. Springelectrode gasket 260 can be cylindrical in shape and define an openingtherethrough configured to receive spring electrode 261. Springelectrode gasket 260 may be chamfered at a proximal end to facilitateinsertion into chamber housing cap 260 and may have a flange 262 at adistal end, with a proximal surface of the flange configured to seatagainst distal end surface of chamber housing cap 260 and provide afluid-tight seal against chamber housing cap 260 when mouthpieceassembly 201 is coupled to reservoir assembly 202.

In various embodiments, spring electrode 263 can comprise acylindrically-shaped electrically conductive component configured to beaxially-compressible. A spring electrode can comprise an outer springelectrode component 264 and an inner spring electrode component 265. Anouter spring electrode component can be configured to slidably receivean inner spring electrode component in a distal end of the outer springelectrode component. A spring, such as coil spring 266, may be disposedwithin outer spring electrode component, between an interior wall ofouter spring electrode component and an outer wall of inner springelectrode component in a configuration suitable to urge spring electrode263 into an axially-elongated condition. Application of pressure to acontact surface 267 of inner spring electrode component mayaxially-compress spring electrode 263 into an axially-compressedcondition. Spring electrode 263 may be configured to be electricallyconductive in an axially-elongated condition and in anaxially-compressed condition. In various embodiments, spring electrode263 may be configured to provide an axial compression distance z in arange of from about 100 μm to about 10 mm. A spring electrode inaccordance with various embodiments may provide an axial compressiondistance of about 100 μm, or about 200 μm, or about 300 μm, or about 400μm, or about 500 μm, or about 600 μm, or about 700 μm, or about 800 μm,or about 900 μm, or about 1.00 mm, or about 1.10 mm, or about 1.20 mm,or about 1.30 mm, or about 1.40 mm, or about 1.50 mm, or about 1.60 mm,or about 1.70 mm, or about 1.80 mm, or about 1.90 mm, or about 2.00 mm,or about 2.10 mm, or about 2.20 mmm, or about 2.30 mm, or about 2.40 mm,or about 2.50 mm, or about 2.60 mm, or about 2.70 mm, or about 2.80 mm,or about 2.90 mm, or about 3.00 mm, or about 3.5 mm, or about 4.0 mm, orabout 4.5 mm, or about 5.0 mm, or about 5.5 mm, or about 6.0 mm, orabout 6.5 mm, or about 7.0 mm, or about 7.5 mm, or about 8.0 mm, orabout 8.5 mm, or about 9.0 mm, or about 9.5 mm, or about 10.0 mm, or anyincremental distance between any of the foregoing distance dimensions.Spring electrode 263 may be configured such that inner spring electrodecomponent 265 may rotate substantially freely with respect to outerspring electrode component 264 while maintaining electrical conductivitybetween inner spring electrode component 265 and outer spring electrodecomponent 264 and through spring electrode 263.

With reference briefly to FIG. 3, a spring electrode 363 in anaxially-elongated condition is illustrated. In an axially-elongatedcondition, inner spring electrode component 365 extends from outerspring electrode component 364 by an axial compression distance of z.Application of compression force to contact surface 367 while holdingouter spring electrode component 364 stationary can cause inner springelectrode component 365 to move into outer spring electrode component364 through distance axial compression distance z, against the force ofa spring housed in spring electrode 363 and configured to urge innerspring electrode component 365 axially outward from outer springelectrode component 364.

Returning now to FIG. 2B, a proximal surface 268 of outer springelectrode component may comprise a depression feature, such as a concavedepression or a conical depression. The depression feature may beconfigured to receive a distal end of an electrical connector 270configured to provide an electrical connection between spring electrode263 and heating element 252. Electrical connector 270 may comprise anelastically deformable wire extending distally from heating element 252,with a proximal end of electrical connector in electrical contact withheating element 252. A distal end of electrical connector 270 may extendfreely into the interior of chamber housing cap 260 prior to insertionof spring electrode gasket 261 and spring electrode 263. The distal endof electrical connector may be configured to enable the distal end toself-locate in the interior of spring electrode gasket 261 and thedepression feature of proximal surface 268 of spring electrode 263 uponinsertion of spring electrode gasket 261 and spring electrode 263 intochamber housing cap 260. This configuration may provide facile press-fitassembly of various mouthpiece assembly components and creation ofelectrical connections between heating element 252 and spring electrode263 without requiring a soldering or other labor-intensive orfailure-prone assembly step. The configuration of electrical connectormay also permit rotational freedom between spring electrode 263 and theother components of the mouthpiece assembly, including heating element252, while maintaining an electrical connection between the components.

In various embodiments, a mouthpiece assembly may also comprise an innerstem. For example, mouthpiece assembly 201 can comprise an inner stem240. Inner stem 240 may be configured as a cylindrical tube having afirst end 241 and a second end 242 and defining a vapor passage 243therethrough. First end 241 may be insertable coupled with an inner stemreceiving feature 216 of mouthpiece 210. Second end 242 may extend intovapor chamber 239, such that vapor outlet 213 of mouthpiece 210 is influid communication with vapor chamber 239 via vapor passage 243 ofinner stem 240. Mouthpiece assembly 201 may be configured such that aninlet air galley 244 is defined by an outer surface 245 of inner stem240 and inner surface 238 of chamber housing 230. Inlet air galley 244may be in fluid communication with air inlet 214 and vapor chamber 239,such that as vapor is withdrawn from vapor chamber 239 due to creationof negative pressure at vapor outlet 213 by a user, air is drawn intothe device from the surrounding atmosphere and into vapor chamber 239via air inlet 214 and inlet air galley 244.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a vaporizer cartridgedevice can comprise a reservoir assembly. A reservoir assembly cancomprise a plurality of reservoir assembly components, such as a basesupport, a base electrode, a base electrode gasket, and a lowerreservoir gasket. A reservoir assembly can also comprise a reservoircylinder. Various embodiments of a reservoir assembly and variouscomponents thereof are described in greater detail below.

For example, and with reference now to FIGS. 4A-4C, a reservoir assembly402A-402C is illustrated. Reservoir assembly 402 can comprise a basesupport 410. Base support 410 can comprise a generally cylindricalconfiguration defining a channel therethrough and having a first end 411and a second end 412. First end 411 may comprise a base attachmentfeature configured to receive and to couple to a chamber housingattachment feature. In various embodiments, a base attachment featurecan comprise a locking ridge. A locking ridge can comprise an annularsnap joint ridge. An annular snap joint ridge may be continuous ordiscontinuous. In various embodiments, a base attachment feature cancomprise a relief slot or a plurality of relief slots. A base attachmentfeature may be configured to be elastically deformable in response toinsertion of a chamber housing attachment feature and application of amating force. A relief slot may be configured to decrease the matingforce required for insertion of a chamber housing attachment featureinto the base attachment feature and coupling of a base attachmentfeature with a chamber housing attachment feature. For example, basesupport 410 comprises a first annular snap joint ridge 413 and a secondannular snap joint ridge 414 located on an interior surface of basesupport 410 near first end 411. First annular snap joint ridge 413 andsecond annular snap joint ridge 414 may be configured to becomplementary to and to couple with second annular snap joint ring 237and first annular snap joint ring 236, respectively of chamber housing210. First annular snap joint ridge 413 and second annular snap jointridge 414 may be configured with first and second undercut dimensions,lead angles, and return angles that may be substantially similar toand/or complementary to those described elsewhere herein with respect tofirst and second annular snap joint rings 236 and 237 to provideprogressive coupling as described.

In various embodiments, the attachment feature of base support 410 cancomprise a pair of relief slots 415. Relief slots 415 may compriseslot-shaped penetrations through the walls of base support 410 andrunning in an axial direction from first end 411 toward second end 412of base support 410. Relief slots 415 may be configured opposite oneanother and may extend through the locations of first and second annularsnap joint ridges 413 and 414, such that the annular snap joint ridgesare discontinuous. The lengths of relief slots may be adapted tomodulate the mating force required to couple a chamber housing with thebase support. The relief slot dimensions may be dependent on variousfactors, such as the base support materials and wall configuration inthe base support attachment feature region. A base support in accordancewith various embodiments of the present disclosure need not comprise apair of relief slots, but may comprise one, two, three, four, or nrelief slots in any suitable configuration.

Base support 410 can comprise a flange 416 with a proximal flangesurface 417 and a distal flange surface. Proximal flange surface 417 andan exterior surface of base support 410 proximal to surface 417 may beconfigured to receive a lower reservoir gasket 430. A lower reservoirgasket may be manufactured from a resilient, elastically deformablematerial such as silicon, urethane, polyacetal, polytetrafluoroethylene,nylon, or any suitable natural or synthetic polymer material. In variousembodiments, a reservoir assembly can comprise a collar configured to becoupled with an outer surface of flange by an interference fit. Forexample, lower reservoir assembly 402 can comprise collar 440 coupled toan outer surface of flange 416. In various embodiments, collar 440 mayprovide various aesthetic and/or functional advantages, such as toconceal the interface of the reservoir cylinder, reservoir cylindergasket, and base support flange, and/or to contain an outer surface oflower reservoir gasket 430 when the device is assembled and lowerreservoir gasket 430 is compressed.

Lower reservoir gasket 430 may comprise an annular configuration havingan “L” shaped cross section with a base portion 431 configured toprovide a fluid-tight seal between a distal surface 472 of a reservoircylinder 470 and proximal flange surface 417 following assembly, and ariser portion 432 disposed between a portion of the exterior surface ofbase support 410 and an inner surface of reservoir cylinder 470. Aproximal surface of lower reservoir gasket may be chamfered tofacilitate assembly of reservoir cylinder 470 by insertion into distalend of reservoir cylinder 470.

Second end 412 of base support 410 can be configured to be coupled withan electrical power source. For example, second end 412 may beconfigured to be threadedly coupled with a power source, such as via a510 threaded connection commonly used for coupling vaporizer cartridgeswith battery power sources. Second end 412 of base support 410 may beconfigured to provide an electrical connection with a power source.Second end 412 may define an opening configured to receive a baseelectrode assembly. A base electrode assembly can comprise a baseelectrode gasket 450 and a base electrode 460. Base electrode gasket 450may have an annular shape configured to electrically insulate baseelectrode 460 from base support 410. In various embodiments, baseelectrode gasket 450 may provide a fluid-tight seal between base support410 and base electrode 460. In various embodiments, base electrode 460may comprise a single component, or base electrode 460 may comprise aplurality of assembled components. For example, as illustrated, baseelectrode 460 comprises a first electrode section 461 and a secondelectrode section 462. First electrode section 461 and second electrodesection 462 may be configured to couple with one another by aninterference fit, such as a press fit. Coupling first electrode section461 and second electrode section 462 may serve to compress baseelectrode gasket 450 in a manner that facilitates creation of afluid-tight seal between base electrode 460, base electrode gasket 450,and base support 410. In various embodiments, base electrode 460 neednot comprise a plurality of assembled components. In an embodiment, abase electrode can comprise a unitarily constructed component having a“T” shaped cross section similar to that of first electrode section 461but having dimensions suitable to enable insertion into second end 412of base support 410, with the flange or arms configured to be retainedby complementary interior flange 418 of base support 410, and with theriser portion configured to extend distally past distal end of secondend 412 in a configuration suitable to make an electrical connectionwith a power source when second end 412 is coupled with the powersource. A proximal surface 463 of base electrode 460 can be configuredto provide an electrical connection between base electrode 460 andspring electrode 263 when reservoir assembly 402 is coupled with chamberhousing 201.

With reference now to FIG. 5A, a cross-section of an assembled vaporizercartridge 500 is shown. Assembled vaporizer cartridge 500 comprises afluid reservoir 501 defined between an inner surface of reservoircylinder 570 and an outer surface of chamber housing 510. In variousembodiments wherein assembled vaporizer cartridge 500 is assembled withfluid present in reservoir cylinder 570 of a reservoir assembly,residual fluid may be contained in a void space 502. In variousembodiments, an assembled vaporizer cartridge 500 can comprise amouthpiece plug 503 configured to be inserted into the vapor channel ofthe mouthpiece, thereby preventing contaminant entry into mouthpieceand/or providing a resilient protective component at the proximal end ofthe cartridge that may protect the mouthpiece finish from damage duringassembly and press fitting of the mouthpiece assembly with the reservoirassembly.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the various components of avaporizer cartridge 600 in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

In various embodiments, the vaporizer cartridge configurations disclosedherein may flexibly accommodate variations in various component sizeswhile reducing at least one of cartridge breakage during assembly,cartridge leakage after assembly, or electrical performance failures dueto failure to establish electrical connections during manufacturing. Inparticular, the axial-compressibility of a spring electrode such asprovided herein may provide for facile, snap-fit assembly of vaporizercartridge components while establishing an electrical connection betweenvarious components, despite potential variation in axial dimensions ofvarious cartridge components. Moreover, the devices provided herein mayenable assembly of vaporizer cartridge components after filling areservoir assembly with a fluid to produce a filled assembled vaporizercartridge. Systems and methods of manufacturing a filled assembledvaporizer cartridge are provided herein and described in greater detailbelow.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a system formanufacturing filled vaporizer cartridges is provided. A system cancomprise a cartridge tray, a mouthpiece assembly support, a fluiddispensing instrument, and a cartridge press. In various embodiments, asystem can comprise a cartridge tray having an array of reservoirassemblies disposed in the tray and a mouthpiece assembly support havingan array of mouthpiece assemblies disposed in the support in a patterncorresponding to the array of reservoir assemblies.

A cartridge tray can be configured to receive and support an array ofreservoir assemblies, each of the reservoir assemblies secured in anupright position with an opening of the fluid reservoir facing upward.For example, a cartridge tray can be configured to receive and support a10×10 array of reservoir assemblies. A cartridge tray may be constructedof aluminum, a polymer, or any suitable substantially rigid material.The cartridge tray can comprise a block of suitable material machinedwith an array of wells, each well configured to receive a distal end ofa reservoir assembly by a clearance fit. A cartridge tray can comprisealignment detents on one or more edges of the tray configured to receivealignment pins disposed on reservoir tray support surfaces of variousinstruments such as a fluid dispensing instrument or a cartridge press,with alignment of the alignment detents and the alignment pinsfacilitating precise location of each reservoir assembly supported bythe cartridge tray so that they may be suitably aligned to be filled orcapped on an automated or semi-automated basis by a fluid dispensinginstrument or a cartridge press instrument. A cartridge tray 700 havingalignment detents 701 and an array of wells 702 configured to receive adistal end of a reservoir assembly is illustrated in FIG. 7.

A mouthpiece assembly support can be configured to support an array ofmouthpiece assemblies, each of the mouthpiece assemblies secured in aposition complementary to the position of a reservoir assembly securedin the cartridge tray. In various embodiments, a mouthpiece assemblysupport may be constructed of a rubber or polymer form or similarmaterial configured to be elastically deformable and to removably retainmouthpiece assemblies by an interference fit in an array of penetrationsdefined by mouthpiece assembly support through. The interference fit maybe suitable to resist gravitational or light mechanical pressure forces,thereby providing retention of each mouthpiece assembly in themouthpiece assembly support during handling in an assembly ormanufacturing process, while permitting each mouthpiece assembly to bepushed or withdrawn from the support manually, without necessitating theaid of a powered tool or instrument, though in various embodiments, aninstrument or power tool may be used to press a mouthpiece assembly froma mouthpiece assembly support. A mouthpiece assembly support 800 havingan array of penetrations 801 is illustrated in FIG. 8. In variousembodiments, a system can comprise a hand tool configured to press anarray of mouthpiece assemblies from a mouthpiece assembly support. Ahand tool can comprise a mouthpiece assembly array ejection toolconfigured to permit coordinated ejection of a plurality of mouthpieceassemblies from a mouthpiece assembly support, such as hand pressejector 810 illustrated in FIG. 8. Hand press ejector 810 comprises anarray of mouthpiece assembly ejector protrusions 811 assembled to aplate 812, with each protrusion 811 configured to align with and applypressure to a mouthpiece assembly disposed in a mouthpiece assemblysupport, thereby permitting an operator to simultaneously eject an arrayof mouthpiece assemblies from a mouthpiece assembly support. FIGS. 9 and10 illustrate a hand press ejector and a mouthpiece assembly support inuse in a system and process for placing an array of mouthpieceassemblies in a corresponding array of fluid filled reservoir assembliesdisposed in a reservoir support tray.

In various embodiments, a system for manufacturing filled vaporizercartridges can comprise a cartridge press instrument. A cartridge pressinstrument may be configured to apply a mating force W to an array offilled and partially assembled vaporizer cartridges. FIGS. 11 and 12illustrate views of a cartridge press instrument 1100 in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present disclosure. A cartridge pressinstrument 1100 can comprise a base 1101, a working area 1102, a pressframe 1103, a press cylinder 1104, a bed 1105, and a press plate 1106.Press cylinder 1104 may be pneumatically, hydraulically, or mechanicallyactuated. Base 1101 can house a controller, switches, an air compressor,pump, or motor, a power supply, and the like. Bed 1105 can comprisealignment pins 1110. Bed 1105 may be configured to receive a reservoirsupport tray with an array of fluid filled and partially assembledvaporizer cartridges. Press plate 1106 may be configured to, whencartridge press instrument 1100 is actuated by an operator, contact anarray of mouthpieces of partially assembled vaporizer cartridgesarranged in cartridge press instrument 1100 and to apply a force F toeach mouthpiece in the array via press plate 1106. In variousembodiments, press 1100 may be calibrated such that force F issufficient to press-fit each partially assembled vaporizer cartridgeinto a coupled condition, whereby each vaporizer cartridge is fullyassembled. Expressed differently, vaporizer cartridge press 1100 may beconfigured to deliver mating force W to each partially assembledvaporizer cartridge in an array of partially assembled vaporizercartridges in an automated cartridge press run, producing an array ofassembled, fluid-filled vaporizer cartridges. FIG. 13 illustrates anarray of assembled, fluid-filled vaporizer cartridges 1300 in acartridge tray 1301 on bed 1305 of a cartridge press instrument.

In various embodiments and as illustrated in FIG. 19, a press plate 1906can be configured to comprise an array of press bars 1907 separated byslots 1908. Press plate 1906 can further be configured to provide foralignment of press bars 1907 with alternate rows of cartridge assembliesarrayed in a support tray having at least two sets of alignment detentsconfigured to provide alternating alignment of rows of cartridgeassemblies with press bars 1907 dependent on which alignment detents arealigned with alignment posts. Slots 1908 can be configured to receiverows of cartridge assemblies between those aligned with press bars 1907so that alternate rows of cartridge assemblies are pressed in a firststep. The support tray can be moved to align the second set of alignmentdetents with alignment posts such that unpressed cartridge assemblies inthe tray are aligned with press bars 1907 and pressed cartridges arealigned with slots 1908, with a second pressing step producing assemblyof the remainder of the cartridges in the support tray.

In various embodiments, an automated or partially automated cartridgepress run may be completed in less than about 30 second, or less thanabout 25 second, or less than about 20 second, or less than about 19seconds, or less than about 18 seconds, or less than about 17 seconds,or less than about 16 seconds, or less than about 15 seconds, or lessthan about 14 seconds, or less than about 13 seconds, or less than about12 seconds, or less than about 11 seconds, or less than about 10seconds, or less than about 9 seconds, or less than about 8 seconds, orless than about 7 seconds, or less than about 6 seconds, or less thanabout 5 seconds. In various embodiments, an array of partially-assembledvaporizer cartridges can comprise about 100 units. In various otherembodiments, an array of partially-assembled vaporizer cartridges cancomprise at least about 10 units, or at least about 20 units, or atleast about 30 units, or at least about 40 units, or at least about 50units, or at least about 60 units, or at least about 70 units, or atleast about 80 units, or at least about 90 units, or at least about 100units, or at least about 121 units, or at least about 144 units, or atleast about 169 units, or at least about 196 units. In variousembodiments, an array of partially-assembled vaporizer units cancomprise any suitable number in any suitable configuration. In variousembodiments, pressing may be performed on an instrument configured witha press plate such as press plate 1906 (FIG. 19) configured to press aportion of the partially-assembled vaporizer cartridge units arrayed inthe cartridge press instrument.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a system formanufacturing fluid-filled, assembled vaporizer cartridges can comprisea fluid dispensing instrument. With reference now to FIGS. 14-17, afluid dispensing instrument 1400 is illustrated. Fluid dispensinginstrument 1400 can comprise a platform 1401 configured to receive acartridge tray in accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure. Platform 1401 can comprise alignment posts 1402 configuredto be received by alignment detents of a cartridge tray. FIG. 16illustrates a cartridge tray 1610 in place on platform 1601. Instrument1400 can comprise a fluid dispensing needle array 1420 operablyconnected to a pump head 1421. Needle array 1420 may be disposed in aconfiguration suitable to be received within the open proximal ends ofan array of reservoir assemblies disposed in a cartridge tray.Instrument 1400 can be configured to draw a predetermined volume offluid into each needle of the fluid dispensing needle array 1420, toalign each needle of needle array 1420 with a reservoir assembly in acartridge tray, and to dispense the predetermined volume of fluid drawninto each needle into a reservoir assembly. In this manner, a system inaccordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure canrapidly simultaneously fill an array of reservoir assemblies during avaporizer cartridge manufacturing process.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of assemblinga fluid-filled vaporizer cartridge is provided. With reference to FIG.18, a method 1800 can comprise positioning a reservoir assembly in afirst position (step 1810) to produce a positioned reservoir assembly.In various embodiments, positioning a reservoir assembly in a firstposition 1810 can comprise placing a reservoir assembly in a cartridgetray. In various embodiments, step 1810 can comprise placing a pluralityof reservoir assemblies in a tray configured to hold an array ofreservoir assemblies, thereby producing an array of positioned reservoirassemblies. In various embodiments, a first position of a reservoirassembly can comprise an upright position suitable to receive fluiddispensed into the reservoir assembly.

Method 1800 can further comprise dispensing a fluid into the positionedreservoir assembly to produce a fluid-filled reservoir assembly (step1820). In various embodiments, step 1820 may be performed using afluid-dispensing instrument, and an array of position reservoirassemblies may be simultaneously filled to produce a plurality offluid-filled reservoir assemblies.

A mouthpiece assembly may be inserted into the fluid-filled reservoirassembly to produce a first partially-assembled cartridge (step 1830).In various embodiments, a plurality of mouthpiece assemblies may beinserted into a plurality of fluid-filled reservoir assembliessubstantially simultaneously to produce a plurality ofpartially-assembled cartridges. A mouthpiece assembly array ejectiontool in accordance with various embodiments may be used in step 1830.Mouthpiece assemblies may be individually inserted into reservoirassemblies. In various embodiments, inserting a mouthpiece assembly intothe fluid-filled reservoir assembly may produce displacement of fluid inthe reservoir assembly. Fluid may be displaced from a first level to asecond level in the reservoir assembly upon insertion of the mouthpieceassembly, depending on cartridge configuration; however, insertion ofthe mouthpiece assembly and/or assembly of the cartridge need not resultin displacement of fluid within the cartridge.

Method 1800 can further comprise aligning a mouthpiece assembly chamberhousing attachment feature with a reservoir assembly base attachmentfeature to produce an aligned partially-assembled cartridge (step 1840).In various embodiments, aligning a mouthpiece assembly chamber housingattachment feature with a reservoir assembly base attachment feature toproduce an aligned partially-assembled cartridge can comprise pressing afirst (distal) annular snap ring past a first (proximal) annular snapridge. In various embodiments, pressing a first annular snap ring past afirst annular snap ridge may be accomplished with a light mating force,such as a mating force of less than about 22 N, or less than about 18 N,or less than about 14 N, or less than about 10 N, or less than about 6N, or less than about 5 N, or less than about 4 N, or less than about 3N, or less than about 2 N, or less than about 1 N of force percartridge. In various embodiments, the coupling of the first annularsnap ring with the first annular snap ridge may be reversible.

Method 1800 can further comprise pressing the alignedpartially-assembled cartridge to produce an assembled cartridge (step1850). In various embodiments, pressing step 1850 can comprise pressingthe first (distal) annular snap ring past a second (distal) annular snapridge and a second (proximal) annular snap ring past the first(proximal) annular snap ridge, thereby coupling the respective pairs ofannular snap rings and annular snap ridges (the second or assemblycoupling step).

In various embodiments, the pressing action performed in step 1840 maybe separate and distinct from the pressing action performed in step1850, separated, for example, by a pause in the movement of a pressplate and/or retraction of a press plate from the partially-assembledfluid-filled cartridge. Method 1800 can comprise simultaneouslyperforming steps 1840 and/or 1850 for the plurality of cartridgeassemblies arrayed in a tray. In various embodiments of method performedusing a press plate such as press plate 1906, pressing steps 1840 and/or1850 may be repeated two or more times to press and fully assembleportions of an array of cartridge assemblies, with the tray holding thearray of cartridge assemblies realigned with guild posts betweenrepeated pressing steps.

In various embodiments of a method of assembling a fluid-filledvaporizer cartridge, cartridge components having a variety ofconfigurations may be used and needed not comprise annular snap rings orthe various other features of the particular vaporizer cartridgesdescribed in detail herein. Other vaporizer cartridge componentconfigurations and interference fit features suitable to providecartridge assembly by an interference fit that can be achieved by axialcompression of cartridge components, including a fluid0filled cartridgecomponent, are with the scope of the present disclosure. For example,cartridge components may be configured to provide a press fit orfriction fit, such as by other snap-fit configurations, or by couplingof an oversized shaft with an undersized bore, which components may betapered of chamfered to facilitate seating or progressive fit. Suchother cartridge component configurations and interference fit mechanismsmay be compatible with the methods of assembling a fluid-filledvaporizer cartridge as described herein, with a first partial press instep 1840 producing an aligned (or seated) partially-assembledfluid-filled cartridge, and a second press step 1850 producing a fullyassembled fluid-filled cartridge. In various embodiments, steps 1840 and1850 need not be separate and distinct, and partially-assembledcartridge assemblies may be press fit into a fully assembled conditionin a single press step.

In various embodiments, the assembly coupling step may produce aninseparable coupling between the chamber housing attachment feature andthe reservoir assembly base attachment feature. The assembly couplingstep may require a mating force of at least about 89 N, or at leastabout 133 N, or at least about 178 N, or at least about 222 N, or atleast about 267 N, or at least about 311 N, or at least about 356 N, orat least about 400 N, or at least about 445 N of force per cartridge. Invarious embodiments, the assembly step requires about 356 N of force percartridge. In various embodiments, pressing an alignedpartially-assembled cartridge to produce an assembled cartridge canproduce an electrical contact between a base electrode and a springelectrode, thereby producing an electrically-conductive assembledcartridge. An aligned partially-assembled cartridge may not beelectrically-conductive prior to completion of the pressing step. Invarious embodiments, pressing an aligned partially-assembled cartridgemay produce a fluid-tight seal between two cartridge components.Pressing an aligned partially-assembled cartridge may produce aplurality of fluid-tight seals. For example, pressing an alignedpartially-assembled cartridge may produce a fluid-tight seal at one ofan upper reservoir gasket contact with a reservoir cylinder and a lowerreservoir gasket contact with a reservoir cylinder. In variousembodiments, pressing an aligned partially-assembled cartridge mayproduce a fluid-tight seal at a plurality of gasket-componentinterfaces. In various embodiments, pressing an alignedpartially-assembled cartridge may produce a fluid-tight seal at agasket-component interface for a plurality of gaskets, each of theplurality of gaskets having a gasket-component interface. In accordancewith various embodiments, any of the steps of method 1800 can beperformed using a plurality of vaporizer cartridge components inconnection with the various system components and features describedelsewhere herein. In various embodiments, a method of assembling afluid-filled vaporizer cartridge can be performed without requiring thatany threaded connections be made between components or componentassemblies.

Devices, systems, and methods are provided in the present disclosure. Inthe detailed description herein, references to “various embodiments,”“one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc.,indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature,structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarilyinclude the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover,such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic isdescribed in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it iswithin the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature,structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodimentswhether or not explicitly described.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed herein with regard to specific embodiments. However, thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essentialfeatures or elements of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure isaccordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, inwhich reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean“one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one ormore.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to ‘at least one of A, B, and C’or ‘at least one of A, B, or C’ is used in the claims or specification,it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone maybe present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, Calone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of theelements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example,A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. Although the disclosureincludes a method, it is contemplated that it may be embodied ascomputer program instructions on a tangible computer-readable carrier,such as a magnetic or optical memory or a magnetic or optical disk. Allstructural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of theabove-described exemplary embodiments that are known to those ofordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by referenceand are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, itis not necessary for a device or method to address each and everyproblem sought to be solved by the present disclosure, for it to beencompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component,or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated tothe public regardless of whether the element, component, or method stepis explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to beconstrued under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f), unless the elementis expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” As used herein, theterms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does notinclude only those elements but may include other elements not expresslylisted or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a mouthpiece assemblycomprising: a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece having a first end and a secondend and defining a vapor outlet at the first end and an air inletlocated in a lateral surface located toward the second end; an upperreservoir gasket removably attached to the second end of the mouthpiece;a chamber housing, the chamber housing comprising an outer chambersurface, an inner chamber surface, a chamber housing attachment feature,and defining a vaporization chamber; an inner stem coupled to the secondend of the mouthpiece and defining an air inlet between an outer surfaceof the inner stem and the inner chamber surface; a vaporizer assemblycomprising a wick, a heating element, and an electrical connector; aspring electrode gasket; and a spring electrode; and a reservoirassembly comprising: a base support defining a base support innersurface, a base electrode, a base electrode gasket, a reservoircylinder, and a lower reservoir gasket; wherein the base supportcomprises a base attachment feature configured to couple to the chamberhousing attachment feature.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein thechamber housing attachment feature comprises a first locking ringdisposed on the outer chamber surface, wherein the base attachmentfeature comprises a first locking ridge disposed on the base supportinner surface and configured to provide an interference fit with thefirst locking ring.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the baseattachment feature is configured to insertably receive the chamberhousing attachment feature, and wherein the first locking ridge isconfigured to interlock with the first locking ring.
 4. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the chamber housing attachment feature comprises aplurality of locking rings, and wherein the base attachment featurecomprises a plurality of locking ridges.
 5. The device of claim 4,wherein a second locking ridge is configured to provide a clearance fitfor the first locking ring.
 6. The device of claim 2, wherein the baseattachment feature comprises a relief slot, and wherein the baseattachment feature is configured to elastically deform in response to aninsertion of the first locking ring past the first locking ridge.
 7. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the spring electrode is configured to becompressed between the base electrode and the chamber housing inresponse to insertion of the chamber housing attachment feature into thebase attachment feature.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the reservoircylinder is configured to be compressed between the upper reservoirgasket and the lower reservoir gasket in response to insertion of thechamber housing attachment feature into the base attachment feature. 9.The device of claim 1, wherein the chamber housing defines a fluid inletproviding fluid communication from the outer chamber surface to thevaporization chamber.
 10. A system comprising: a cartridge trayconfigured to contain a reservoir assembly array; a reservoir assemblyarray comprised of a plurality of reservoir assemblies disposed in thecartridge tray; a mouthpiece assembly support; a mouthpiece assemblyarray comprised of a plurality of mouthpiece assemblies disposed in themouthpiece assembly support, each mouthpiece assembly configured to besnap-fit to one of the plurality of reservoir assemblies; and acartridge press; wherein the mouthpiece assembly support is configuredto releasably retain the mouthpiece assembly array in an invertedposition and to align each of the plurality of mouthpiece assemblies inthe inverted position with a corresponding reservoir assembly to permitcoordinated insertion of each of the plurality of mouthpiece assembliesinto the corresponding reservoir assembly to produce apartially-assembled cartridge array comprised of a plurality ofpartially-assembled cartridges; wherein the cartridge press isconfigured to receive the partially-assembled cartridge array and toapply an assembly pressure to the partially-assembled cartridge array;and wherein each partially-assembled cartridge in the plurality thepartially-assembled cartridges is configured to produce an assembledcondition in response to the assembly pressure.
 11. The system of claim10, further comprising a mouthpiece assembly array ejection toolconfigured to permit coordinated ejection of the plurality of mouthpieceassemblies from the mouthpiece assembly support.
 12. The system of claim10, wherein the system is configured to produce an array of assembledcartridges from an array of partially-assembled cartridges in less thanabout 30 seconds.
 13. A method of assembling a fluid-filled vaporizercartridge array comprising: positioning a reservoir assembly array in afirst position; dispensing a fluid into the reservoir assembly array toproduce a fluid-filled reservoir assembly array; inserting a mouthpieceassembly array into the fluid-filled reservoir assembly array to producea first partially-assembled fluid-filled cartridge array; aligning amouthpiece assembly chamber housing attachment feature of the firstpartially-assembled fluid-filled cartridge array with a reservoirassembly base attachment feature of the first partially-assembledcartridge array to produce an aligned partially-assembled fluid-filledcartridge array; and pressing the aligned partially-assembledfluid-filled cartridge array to produce an assembled fluid-filledcartridge array.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the fluid in thefluid-filled reservoir assembly array is displaced during the insertingthe mouthpiece assembly array step.
 15. The method of claim 13, whereinthe aligning a mouthpiece assembly chamber housing attachment feature ofthe first partially-assembled fluid-filled cartridge array with thereservoir base attachment feature of the first partially-assembledfluid-filled cartridge array comprises insertion of a distal lockingring of the mouthpiece assembly past a proximal locking ridge of thereservoir base attachment feature.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein afirst locking ring is inserted past a first locking ridge in response tothe pressing the aligned partially-assembled cartridge array step. 17.The method of claim 13, wherein a first locking ring is inserted past afirst locking ridge and a second locking ring is inserted past a secondlocking ridge in response to the pressing the alignedpartially-assembled fluid-filled cartridge array.
 18. The method ofclaim 13, wherein a spring electrode is compressed in response to thepressing the aligned partially-assembled fluid-filled cartridge array.19. The method of claim 18, wherein the spring electrode completes anelectrical connection with the reservoir assembly in response toproducing an assembled fluid-filled cartridge array.
 20. The method ofclaim 13, wherein a plurality of gaskets are compressed in response tothe pressing the aligned partially-assembled fluid-filled cartridgearray to produce a fluid-tight assembled fluid-filled cartridge array.